understandable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of understandable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: originally, “capable of understanding”; understand + -able
Explanation
Something understandable can be understood or grasped. It makes sense. Since understanding something means you comprehend or get it, when things are understandable, they can be perceived or fathomed. If a friend cancels plans to see a movie because he's sick, that's understandable. Leaving one job for a better paying job is understandable. Eating a lot of cake on your birthday is understandable. Understandable things are easy to grasp and no one is likely to doubt or question them. The opposite of understandable would be weird, odd, or inexplicable.
Vocabulary lists containing understandable
-able, -ible
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-able, -ible
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-able, -ible
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"These labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency."
From Barron's • Jul. 10, 2026
The case was so inhuman, the outrage was understandable.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026
“We expect these laws to be understandable by ordinary citizens,” Blank said.
From Salon • Jul. 7, 2026
Following Clarke's resignation, it is understandable that many supporters will be hoping for a change in the national team, on and off the park.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
However, if we do discover a complete theory, it should in time be understandable in broad principle by everyone, not just a few scientists.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
